Any person who knowingly or willing violates this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under the provision of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than three times the amount of the contribution or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not less than one day and not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Any person convicted under this section must serve at least one day in county jail as a minimum sentence in addition to any fine imposed as described herein.
(A) Cure period for violations. There will be a 14 day cure period, from the time a candidate is notified of the violation, for a candidate to address the complaint (either by returning excess funds or contesting the complaint) before a determination of guilt is established, sentence imposed and a fine is issued.
(B) Enforcement by the FPPC. The city will contract with the FPPC to receive complaints and enforce violations of this chapter. If for any reason there is no contract in place with the FPPC to receive complaints and enforce violations, complaints will be received by the City Clerk and enforced by the CEO of the city pursuant to due process procedures identified in the Baldwin Park Municipal Code including, but not limited to, Chapter 15; Administrative Enforcement of Code Violations.
(C) Liberal construction section. All general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this Code shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the City Council may be fully carried out.
(Ord. 1468, passed 3-2-22)